Frith Street in Soho, where John Logie Baird gave the world’s first public television demonstration in 1926, now houses a famous bar
It may appear as a normal bar, but it’s history will shock you (Image: Howard Kingsnorth via Getty Images)
As you meander down Frith Street in the pulsating heart of Soho, you might easily overlook the gleaming blue plaque at number 22, commemorating a significant historical event that unfolded right here.
Now home to Bar Italia, a popular haunt for revellers in London‘s vibrant nightlife scene, this building was once a hub for some of the greatest minds and innovators of the modern era. It was here, at number 22 Frith Street, in a rented attic, that television was born, thanks to the pioneering work of an innovative engineer.
On 2 October 1925, this site etched its name in history as the location of the first-ever television, an invention that would go on to revolutionise the world. The man behind this groundbreaking invention was John Logie Baird, a Scottish engineer who had been relentlessly pursuing this project.
The space he leased in Soho served as his laboratory, where he devoted countless hours to experimentation, starting in 1924. He laboured incessantly on this massive, intricate device, notorious for its frequent malfunctions and scattered parts within his chaotic lab.
While his contraption successfully displayed images of a ventriloquist’s dummy named Stooky Bill, Baird needed to test it with a human subject. Enter William Taynton – a humble office boy working downstairs, who was enlisted to participate in the experiment.
The test was repeated successfully using a human subject, marking another milestone in Baird’s revolutionary journey. That pivotal moment heralded the birth of television.
However, it wasn’t until 26th January 1926, precisely a century ago, that he presented the first formal demonstration of his groundbreaking invention to the public.
The historic event unfolded at his laboratory on Frith Street, where he showcased how his system could transmit and receive images to an assembled audience.
The subsequent year saw the world’s first television sets go on sale at Selfridges in London, before Baird transported his revolutionary creation across the Atlantic.
When they were eventually developed and became accessible to ordinary households, TV sets reportedly cost around £60, equivalent to approximately £4,000 in today’s money.
Today, the building operates as Bar Italia, which first welcomed customers in 1949 under the ownership of the Polledri family, who remain proprietors to this day.
The establishment has carved out its own rich history, deeply connected to Soho’s artistic community and serving as the muse for the Pulp track.
Named ‘Bar Italia’, the song pays homage to the café and bar, appearing on their beloved 1995 album Different Class. The lyrics describe the bar as a sanctuary where “all the broken people go… round the corner in Soho”.
One recent customer characterised the venue as offering an “authentic experience” in London. They commented on TripAdvisor: “An oasis of calm to escape the madness of the West End.
“Bar Italia has been welcoming all discerning tribes for seventy years with a history and loyal following to die for. If in doubt, simply refer to the walls to see the joy in pictures and trophies from the famous and not-so-famous who enjoyed a visit.”
“For seventy years, Bar Italia has been a haven for all discerning tribes, boasting a rich history and a loyal following that’s second to none. If you’re ever in doubt, just take a look at the walls adorned with photos and trophies from both famous and not-so-famous patrons who’ve relished their visit.”